Maly is a 62-year-old farmer from Kandal province who grows vegetables and mint with her husband. She and her husband have four children - two sons and two daughters. They also have two grandchildren. They live with their youngest daughter and son, who are both students. She likes to watch TV news and Khmer dramas in her free time. About five months ago, Maly developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Increasing irritation from the sun prevents her from working in the garden and she struggles with simple tasks around the house. When Maly learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On December 7th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Maly needs help raising $253 to fully fund this procedure. Maly shared, "I hope that after the surgery, I will be able to see clearly and farm vegetables with my husband. I don’t want to worry about my eyes anymore and I want to go out with confidence."

Myo is a 43-year-old man from Thailand. He lives with his wife and three children in Tak Province. Myo used to work as a construction worker. However, he stopped working last year because of his health condition. His wife makes snacks and sells them in the community. Myo has a heart condition that requires the replacement of his aortic and mitral heart valves and the repair of the tricuspid valve. These valves control the blood flow between the chambers of the heart and are necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Because of this condition, Myo experiences chest and back pains and shortness of breath. He has difficulty breathing and is unable to sleep well. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 for this complex surgery. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital on March 13th. After the surgery, Myo is expected to live more comfortably and have a more active life. Myo said, “I feel sad for my family because I can not support them. After my wife gave birth to my youngest daughter, my neighbor helped us with some food and snacks for my children. I also could not afford to pay for my surgery and I had to borrow money for my medical cost.”

Thein is a seven-year-old student from Burma. She lives with her mother and grandfather and is currently a first-grade student. Her father works as a driver at a toy factory in Bangkok and Thein’s mother stays home to care for her. The family relies on her father’s income, which is enough to cover their daily expenses. They are able to pay for basic healthcare, but they cannot afford expensive treatment costs. During her free time, Thein enjoys helping her mother with household chores. Currently, Thein faces difficulty seeing objects clearly, requiring the use of thick eyeglasses. Additionally, she must sit in the front row of the classroom, near the blackboard, to follow her teachers’ lesson. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund lens replacement surgery for Thein. On February 16th, doctors will perform a lens replacement, during which they will remove Thein's natural lenses and replace them with an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she and her family need help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Thein’s mother said, “Thank you [BCMF and donors] for helping my daughter to get a good and clear vision. I pray for the donors to have wealthy lives and continue helping others.” Thein also said, “I want to be a teacher when I grow up and thanks for your help.”